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Dow Crag Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Elevation
778m
2,552 ft
Prominence
129m
Coordinates
54.3703, -3.1367
SD262977
OS Map
96 97
Explorer: OL6N
The summit of Dow Crag features a prominent rocky outcrop and a small cairn, providing the perfect spot to catch your breath and enjoy the views. Don't forget to take a selfie at the top—no summit is complete without one!
Dow Crag is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically formed from andesitic lavas. These rocks give Dow Crag its rugged appearance and provide a rich habitat for various plant species, showcasing the geological history of the Lake District.
From the summit, you can see the stunning vistas of Coniston Water, the surrounding peaks of the Lake District including the Old Man of Coniston, and on a clear day, even as far as the Isle of Man!
The name 'Dow' is derived from the Old Norse term for 'hill', while 'Crag' refers to rocky outcrops, aptly describing this striking feature.
Dow Crag holds a place in the heart of local climbing and hiking culture, often featured in guides and beloved by both novice and experienced walkers alike.
This classic circular route starts from Walna Scar Road car park (grid ref SD288970). Follow the Walna Scar Road westward before ascending to Brown Pike. From here, continue along the ridge to Buck Pike and finally reach Dow Crag. Descend briefly to Goat's Hawse before climbing to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. Return via the well-trodden path leading back to Walna Scar Road.
Begin at Walna Scar Road car park (grid ref SD288970) and follow the path south-westward to reach Goat's Water. From the tarn, ascend the steep path leading directly to the summit of Dow Crag. Retrace your steps back or extend the walk to include Buck Pike and Brown Pike before returning via the same route.
Starting in the village of Torver (grid ref SD289947), follow the track leading to Walna Scar Road. Head west to Goat's Water and ascend to Dow Crag. Optionally, extend the route to include the Old Man of Coniston. Return via the same path or take a lower route skirting Torver Beck.
Park at the Walna Scar Road car park (grid ref SD288970) and follow the path leading south-west to the ridge of Dow Crag. After summiting, descend southwards to Seathwaite Tarn. Follow the track around the tarn and return via Walna Scar Road.
For the adventurous walker, start at Walna Scar Road car park (grid ref SD288970) and head to Goat's Water. From here, tackle the South Rake scramble route leading to the summit of Dow Crag. This route requires good scrambling skills and a head for heights. Descend northwards to Goat's Hawse and return via Walna Scar Road.
Parking is available at the end of Walna Scar Road, approximately 2 km from the village of Coniston.
Regular buses run from Ambleside to Coniston. Check the local timetable for the most up-to-date information.
The village of Coniston offers several cafes, pubs, and shops where you can stock up on supplies or enjoy a well-deserved meal post-hike. Toilets are also available at the visitor centre.
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Some common questions about the hills answered
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Dow Crag through the maps
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Dow Crag search or of course create your own walk for Dow Crag
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Dow Crag.
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
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Grid Ref: SD262977
![The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]](https://cdn.walkmates.com/gallery-images/0c140e91269b49abbee339fc41828d25.jpg){kind=small}
The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]
802m
Wetherlam
763m
Pike of Blisco
703m
Hard Knott
550m
Crinkle Crags - Long Top [Second Crinkle]
859m
+ 5 more nearby hills
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